Winnie Varghese: A New Era for Progressive Anglicanism at St. John the Divine, New York

Winnie Varghese: A New Era for Progressive Anglicanism at St. John the Divine

On July 1, 2025, the Episcopal Church marked a historic milestone with the appointment of the Reverend Winnie Varghese as the first woman dean of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, the largest Episcopal cathedral in the United States. This momentous occasion signals a bold step forward for progressive Christianity within Anglican circles, reflecting a church increasingly committed to inclusion, social justice, and embracing diverse identities.

Varghese, a queer woman of Indian descent who is openly married to a woman, embodies the evolving face of the Episcopal Church. Raised in Dallas by immigrant Indian parents, her early encounters with St. John the Divine—through vivid local newspaper stories of its annual St. Francis Day procession—ignited a vision of faith that transcends narrow boundaries. She sees the church as a place where faith intersects with the whole planet, affirming that “there’s nothing that our faith doesn’t have to do with, that God doesn’t have to do with.”

“What a beautiful responsibility it is to have to think about how to care for people and how to care for community,” Varghese shared, reflecting on her new role.

Her leadership is not just symbolic but a clear message of the Episcopal Church’s ongoing commitment to progressive values, including LGBTQ affirmation and advocacy for immigrant communities. This appointment comes amid ongoing conversations about the future of the church, with some critics lamenting a perceived departure from traditional orthodoxy. Yet, for many, Varghese’s deanship represents hope and renewal.

It is worth noting that Varghese’s open queer identity and same-sex marriage stand in contrast to the policies of some other Anglican provinces, such as in Australia, where folk in same-sex marriages are not permitted ordination. Her appointment thus highlights the diversity and tensions within the global Anglican Communion regarding LGBTQ inclusion.

As the church navigates challenges such as declining attendance and shifting cultural landscapes, St. John the Divine under Varghese’s guidance may well become a beacon for a faith that is inclusive, socially engaged, and deeply connected to the world’s pressing issues.

For those interested in the broader context of evolving uses for historic places of worship, Historic England offers insightful resources on how churches are adapting to new roles in their communities.

We celebrate this historic appointment and look forward to witnessing how progressive Anglicanism continues to shape the future of faith in America.

— Written by Shane St Reynolds